Apparatus for dispensing adhesive tape

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for dispensing adhesive tape, provided with a housing and receiving a supply roll of adhesive tape and guiding means for, during use, feeding to and through the dispense opening a leading end of adhesive tape unwound from the supply roll brought outside the dispense opening, wherein operating means are provided for moving the cutting means between a first position largely retracted in the housing and a second, cutting position, wherein the cutting means can be brought into contact with adhesive tape fed into and/or through the dispense opening.

[0001] A known apparatus for dispensing adhesive tape is a box closer.This apparatus comprises a frame having a stub thereon, on which a rollof adhesive tape can be slipped. On the same frame, on the side facingthe box during use, a pressure roller is provided along which tape isguided, while a spring holds the tape against the pressure roller. Abovethe pressure roller, a knife is provided with a serrated cutting edge.The frame is carried by a handle. During use, a roll of adhesive tape issecured on the stub, such, that the adhesive tape is guided along thepressure roller with the adhesive side facing away from the pressureroller and the knife. The adhesive tape is pressed by the free endagainst a box, whereupon the apparatus is moved away from the free end.By the adhesive force of the adhesive tape, the roll is unwound, whilethe unwound portion of the adhesive tape can be pressed against the boxwith a lip arranged adjacent the pressure roller. When sufficientadhesive tape has been unwound, it is tautened and the apparatus ispivoted such, that the adhesive tape is cut off by the knife and thefree end is held against the knife. Upon further use, each time, a newportion of adhesive tape is ready for adhesion to a new box.

[0002] This known apparatus has as an advantage that in a simple mannerand with few operations, adhesive tape can be applied. However, animportant disadvantage is that the knife is always accessible. Thispresents danger to users and to the surroundings, while, moreover,damage can easily occur to the surface to which the adhesive tape is tobe or has been provided. The fact is that the knife can accidentallycome into contact with that surface. Also when the apparatus is not inuse, this knife presents danger.

[0003] The invention contemplates an apparatus for dispensing adhesivetape, wherein the drawbacks of the known apparatus mentioned in theopening paragraph are obviated, while maintaining its advantages. Tothat end, an apparatus according to the invention is characterized bythe features of claim 1.

[0004] An apparatus according to the invention is provided with ahousing in which, during use, the cutting means are at leastsubstantially received, such that the cutting means are screened offtowards the surroundings, at least when they are not used. Operatingmeans are then provided for actively moving the cutting means between aretracted position and a position of use, while the cutting means canonly cut off or tear off the adhesive tape in or near the position ofuse. Thus, a safe apparatus is provided for dispensing adhesive tape,which, moreover, is simple in use. Damage and injuries are easilyprevented, while, moreover, in a particularly simple and efficientmanner the cutting means are protected, in particular also when theapparatus is not used.

[0005] Herein, the term housing is understood to mean that at least thecutting means are screened off from the surroundings by it, at least ina retracted position and preferably also substantially during cuttingthe tape. Moreover, it is preferred that the cutting means are retractedwithin the housing when new tape has to be inserted. The tape itself canbut need not be received within the housing.

[0006] In an advantageous embodiment, an apparatus according to theinvention is further characterized by the features of claim 4.

[0007] In such an embodiment, with the aid of the blocking means, a safeposition of the cutting means is provided for when the housing isopened, at least when new tape is inserted. Preferably, these blockingmeans are operated by a flap of the housing. It is particularlyadvantageous when the operating means for the cutting means are blockedupon opening of the flap, while the blocking means are arranged forpreventing the flap from opening before the cutting means are broughtinto the first position.

[0008] In a further embodiment, an apparatus according to the inventionis further characterized by the features of claim 8.

[0009] With such an apparatus, in a particularly simple manner, adhesivetape can be moved in the direction of and through the dispense openingfor engagement by, for instance, a product or a person.

[0010] An apparatus according to the invention can particularlyadvantageously be used for dispensing tape for medical applications, inparticular for or near the skin. In particular in such an application,it is of particular importance that the cutting means cannot come intocontact with the hands or other body parts of a user or a patient. Insuch an embodiment, it is further preferred that the apparatus isautoclavable or differently sterilizable, preferably in its entirety.Thus, hygiene is guaranteed.

[0011] In a further embodiment, an apparatus according to the inventioncan particularly suitably be designed for dispensing adhesive tape forclosing boxes and the like, characterized by the features of claim 14.

[0012] In such an embodiment, a relatively compact construction can beobtained wherein the supply roll for adhesive tape and the guiding meanscan be substantially included in the housing, together with the cuttingmeans, while a handle is provided with which the apparatus can beoperated in a simple manner.

[0013] The receiving means for the supply roll are preferably fastenedon a base plate, which is movable relative to the housing, while apressure roller is connected to the base plate for pressing on adhesivetape extending along the pressure roller mentioned. Then, the pressureroller is arranged for pressing the adhesive tape through the dispenseopening. Thus, in a particularly simple manner, it is provided thatadhesive tape is always accessible from outside the housing. Preferably,movement of the base plate and cutting means are coupled such, that whenthe pressure roller is moved to or into the dispense opening, thecutting means are retracted, vice versa.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an apparatus accordingto the invention is farther characterized by the features of claim 17.

[0015] In such an embodiment, it is provided that a supply roll ofadhesive ape can be inserted in or on the receiving means in only oneposition so that, each time, it is ensured that the adhesive tape isinserted with the adhesive side in the right direction. Moreover, thus,it can be provided that always the right roll of adhesive tape isinserted.

[0016] In the subclaims, further advantageous embodiments arerepresented of an apparatus according to the present invention.

[0017] In clarification of the invention, exemplary embodiments of anapparatus according to the invention will be further elucidated withreference to the drawing. In the drawing:

[0018] FIGS. 1-3 show, in side, bottom and front view, an apparatusaccording to the invention in a first embodiment;

[0019]FIG. 4 shows in cutaway side view, schematically, a rear end of anapparatus according to FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 5 shows, in cutaway side view, schematically, a front end ofan apparatus according to the FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 6 shows, in side view, a first alternative embodiment of anapparatus according to the invention;

[0022]FIG. 7 shows, in cutaway side view, an apparatus according to FIG.6;

[0023]FIG. 8 shows, in partly cutaway side view, a dispensing apparatusaccording to the invention in a third embodiment, in particular suitablefor use for closing boxes;

[0024]FIG. 9 shows, in partly cutaway view, a roll of adhesive tape inan apparatus according to the invention; and

[0025]FIG. 10 shows, in partly cutaway top plan view, a furtheralternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention.

[0026] In this description, identical or corresponding parts haveidentical or corresponding reference numerals.

[0027]FIG. 1 shows, in side view, an apparatus for dispensing adhesivetape, further to be called a tape dispenser 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 show abottom view and a front view, respectively, of this tape dispenser. InFIGS. 4 and 5, in cutaway side view, enlarged, a tape dispenser 1according to FIGS. 1-3 is represented. The tape dispenser 1 comprises ahousing 2 in which a roll of tape 3, for instance medical tape, isreceived, and a dispensing apparatus 4, which is operable with a handle5, in a manner to be described hereinafter. In the housing 2, at a frontside, a dispense opening 6 is provided, through which adhesive tape(tape) 7 can be dispensed from the roll 3. Within the housing 2, acutting means in the form of a knife 8 is included which can be operatedwith the aid of a control button 32 between a first position, as shownin FIG. 5, where the knife 8 is moved upwards within the housing awayfrom the opening 6, and a second, cutting position where the knife ismoved downwards behind the opening, through tape 7 extending through theopening 6. Thus, the tape 7 can be cut off in a safe manner. The knife 8does not reach outside the housing 2 and is consequently screened offfrom the surroundings, in particular from fingers and the like of auser, and from the surface on which the tape 7 is to be applied, forinstance a human body.

[0028] The housing 2 is, for instance, manufactured from plastic ormetal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and comprises a shell part 9and a cover 10 which can be closed, for instance hinged, thereagainst.In FIG. 9, in cross section, a rear part of the housing 2 is shown, withthe roll 3 therein. The roll 3 is provided with a core 11 with which theroll can be pushed over fingers 12 such, that the core 11 is retainedwithin the housing 2. The core 11 is of substantially cylindrical designand is provided at a first side with a circumferential groove 13 bywhich it can fall over an upright edge 14 in the shell part 9, whichedge extends circularly around the fingers 12. At the opposite side, thecore 11 is provided with a cylindrical recess 15 in which the heads 16of the clamping fingers 12 can reach for securing the core 11 and hencethe roll 3. The core 11 has a width such, that it can be fittinglyreceived between the bottom 17 of the shell part 9 and the cover inclosed position. As the core 11 is asymmetrical relative to a centrallongitudinal plane L, the roll can only be slipped on the fingers 12 inone manner, so that it is ensured that the adhesive side is alwayslocated at the correct side of the dispensed tape 7.

[0029] In FIG. 9, in interrupted lines, tape 7 is represented on theroll 3, which has a width S₁ which approximately corresponds to thedistance between the bottom 17 and the cover 10, while in chain-dottedlines in FIG. 9 at the top a second width of tape 7A is represented,which has a width S₂. Thus, it is indicated that cores 11 with differentwidths of tape 7 can be wound, to be dispensed with the dispensingapparatus 4. It will be clear, for that matter, that also cores of asmaller width than the width S₁ can be used, as long as they can beconfined with the aid of the fingers 12. Also, other fastening means canbe used.

[0030] The dispensing apparatus 4 comprises a first, driven wheel 18, asecond driven wheel 19 and a roller 20. The driven wheels 18, 19 and theroller 20 are mounted on axles 21, 22, 23, which axles extendapproximately parallel to each other, at right angles to the bottom 17of the shell part 9 and at right angles to the longitudinal direction ofthe tape 7. The second driven wheel 19 and the roller 20 are mutuallyconnected by a belt 24 wrapped therearound, having a width approximatelycorresponding to that of the tape to be dispensed, for instance a widthS₂. In the external surface, the belt 24 can be provided withlongitudinal or cross grooves, so that its adhesive surface is reduced.The handle 5 is bearing-mounted on a pivot 25, which extendsapproximately parallel to the axle 21, and comprises a plate part 26which, at the side of the first driven wheel 18 remote from the pivot25, is provided with a curved toothed ring 27 with a bending radiuswhich is equal to the distance from the pivot 25 to the toothed ring 27mentioned. The toothed ring 27 is positioned such that it can move alongthe tape 7. The toothed ring 27 meshes with a gear wheel 28 which isfixedly connected to a side of the driven wheel 18. A part 29 of thehandle 5 reaches outside the housing 2 such, that this can be engaged.If the handle 5 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 5, where thegrip part 29 reaches outside the housing, in the direction of thehousing, such that the grip part 29 mentioned is forced into thehousing, then the plate part 26 and hence the toothed ring 27 will moveupwards in FIG. 5, so that the driven wheel 18 will rotate about theaxle 21, clock-wise in FIG. 5, as indicated by the arrow P₁. The seconddriven roller 19 is bearing-mounted with the axle 22 in a pivot plate30, which can rotate about an axle 31 fixedly connected to the housing.With the aid of a torsion spring (not shown) the pivot plate 30 isforced in the direction of the first driven wheel 18, so that the seconddriven wheel 19 is pushed with the running surface of the belt 24against the outer surface of the first driven wheel 18. This means thatupon rotation of the first driven wheel 18 in the direction of the arrowP₁, the second driven wheel 19 will rotate in opposite direction, asindicated by the arrow P₂. Tape 7, confined between the first drivenroller 18 and the belt 24 will thus be forced in and through thedispensing opening 6, so that it can be engaged from the outside of thehousing. When the control button 32 is pressed in, the knife 8 is pushedthrough the tape 7, thereby cutting off the tape 7. Preferably, the tape7 is then tautened by pulling the apparatus away, slightly backwards.The remaining part of the tape 7, between the knife and the drivenrollers 18, 19, can then rest on the surface of the belt 24, so thatthis, upon renewed use, can be dispensed through the dispense opening 6in a simple manner.

[0031] Tape 7 can be introduced in a simple manner by opening the cover,whereupon the second driven wheel 19, with the aid of the pivot plate30, is pushed away from the first driven roller 18 and tape 7 can beinserted between the first driven roller 18 and the belt 24, whereuponthe pivot plate 30 is released and the tape 7 is clamped between therollers 18, 19. In the first driven roller 18, a ratchet mechanism isincluded, so that rotation of the first driven roller 18 in oppositedirection, i.e. counter-clockwise in FIG. 5, is prevented. Thus it isprovided that, when the handle 5 moves back from a pushed-in position tothe position shown in FIG. 5, the driven rollers 18, 19 are preventedfrom rotating in the wrong direction. It will be clear that this canalso be realized in a different manner, for instance by suitableblocking projections, by specifically selected toothing or by ensuringthat, at the returning movement, the toothed ring 27 is brought out ofmesh with the gear wheel 28.

[0032] In the embodiment shown, the movement of the knife 8 is at leastsubstantially rectilinear, approximately parallel to the plane of theopening 6. Thus, an advantageous cutting direction is obtained withparticularly simple means. To that end, the knife 8 is included in aholder 33, guided within the housing 2, for instance with the aid ofsuitably arranged guiding pins and grooves (not shown). Advantageously,the knife can then end in a point or have an inclining cutting edge. Asa result, it will more easily cut through the tape. The holder 33 iscarried on a pivot arm 34, which pivot arm is supported, at a distancefrom the dispense opening 6, by a pivot 35. A stop 36 is provided forlimiting the stroke of the knife 8, in that the pivot arm 34 will moveagainst the stop 36. Between the pivot 35 and the control button 32, atthe side of the pivot arm 34 remote from the control button 32, aprojection 37 is provided, provided at the bottom side with aprotuberance 38. In the plate part 26 of the handle 5, a recess 39 isprovided in which a part of the protuberance 38 can be received when thehandle 5 is moved approximately entirely within the housing 2. Onlythen, the control button 32 can be pushed in and the knife 8 can bemoved through the tape 7. What is thus prevented is that the knife 8 isoperated without the handle 5 being entirely moved inwards. Thus,accidental operation of the knife 8 is prevented in an even simplermanner. A spring 40 is provided against the pivot arm 34 and is setagainst the housing 2, such that the pivot arm 34, in the first positionshown in FIG. 5, is biased, so that the knife 8, each time upon releaseof the control button 32 is moved back to the first position.

[0033] At the bottom side of the dispense opening 6, the housing 12 isslightly bent off inwards, such that the lower longitudinal edge 41 ofthe dispense opening 6 is at a short distance from the belt 24, so thattape is prevented from being moved back within the housing with the aidof the belt 24. Under the lower longitudinal edge 41, at the outside ofthe housing 2, a soft nose part 42 is provided, so that damage to orinjury of the surface onto which tape is applied is prevented in an evenbetter manner.

[0034] It is preferred that the cover 10 can only be opened forreplacing the roll 3, when the handle 5 is fixed in the position shownin FIG. 5, for instance in that, upon closure of the cover 10, ablocking projection 43 in front of the handle 5 is pushed away, whichblocking projection 43, with the cover 10 opened, fixes the handle 5.Then, the knife 8 is prevented from being moved upon replacement of theroll 3, at least insertion of the tape 7 between the rollers 18, 19.

[0035] When an apparatus 1 according to the invention is used in, forinstance, the medical field or the food industry, it is preferred thatall parts thereof are manufactured from sterilizable, for instanceautoclavable, material. In particular suitable to that end is, forinstance, stainless steel.

[0036] In FIGS. 6 and 7, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 1according to the invention is shown, wherein, again, a housing 2 isprovided within which a roll 3 of tape 7 can be confined. In thisembodiment, the belt 24 with the roller 20 as shown in FIG. 5 isomitted. Here, the second driven wheel 19 is carried on a pivot plate 30which is bearing-mounted on a pivot 31 which is provided adjacent theopening 6. Here, the handle 5 is pivotably bearing-mounted on a pivot25, which is located relatively high in the housing 2, adjacent the core11 of the roll 3. At the side of the first driving roller 18 remote fromthe pivot 25, the handle 5 is again provided with a gear rack or toothedring 27, which meshes with a gear wheel 28, fixedly connected to thefirst driven wheel 18. Blockings 44 are provided against the first andsecond driven wheel 18, 19 for forming a ratchet mechanism, so that thedriven wheels 18, 19 can only rotate in one direction, such that,therewith, tape 7 can be guided from the roll 3 through the dispenseopening 6. Then, the first driven wheel 18 rotates clockwise, in FIG. 7,the second driven wheel 19 in opposite direction.

[0037] In this embodiment, the knife 8 is confined in an angular holder33, in which a slot 45 is provided, through which a screw 46 is securedin the housing 2, as linear guide. On the leg 47, extending at rightangles to the direction of movement of the knife 8, the control button32 is provided, while a spring 48 is disposed between the control button32 and the housing 2 for biasing the knife 8 in the first position shownin FIG. 7. Again, a blocking 36 limits the stroke of the knife 8, suchthat the knife substantially cannot reach through the dispense opening6. A spring 40 is disposed between the handle 5 and the housing 2, sothat the handle 5 is biased by the spring 40 in the position reachingoutside the housing 2 shown in FIG. 7.

[0038] In FIG. 8, a further alternative embodiment of a tape dispenser 1according to the invention is shown, which is particularly suitable fordispensing adhesive tape suitable for closing boxes or the like.Specifically, such an apparatus is particularly suitable for relativelywide tape.

[0039] In this embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a housing 2 with asomewhat rectangular side view with a flat bottom 50. In the bottom 50,a dispense opening 6 is provided, adjacent a front side 51. At the rearside of the housing 2, a grip 52 is provided with which the apparatus 1can be held and operated. A handle 5 is provided underneath the grip 52for operating the apparatus, as will be described hereinafter.

[0040] Within the housing 2, a base plate 53 is disposed, pivotableabout a pivot 54. The pivot 54 is at a relatively large distance fromthe opening 6. The handle 5 is bearing-mounted in the same pivot 54. Onthe base plate 53, on a roll 3, tape 7 is disposed, for instance in amanner shown in FIG. 8. The tape 7 is guided from the roll 3 along aroller 55 arranged adjacent a bottom longitudinal edge of the base plate53 and then through the dispense opening 6. Under the lower longitudinaledge of the base plate 53, a pressure roller 57 is provided, which, uponpivoting of the base plate 53 about the axle 54, can be moved in thedirection of, and preferably into, the dispense opening 6, for movingthe tape 7 therein.

[0041] Within the housing, against the bottom 50 a substantiallyL-shaped holder 33 is disposed, which, with a first leg 58, abutsagainst the bottom 50 and, with a second leg 59, extends approximatelyat right angles thereto. In the first leg 58, at the side facing thefront side 51, a knife 8 is secured which is movable along the bottomand along the opening 6. In the first position shown in FIG. 8, thecutting side of the knife 8 is at the side of the opening 6 proximal tothe front side 51. In the first leg 58, a slot 45 is provided in which abolt 46 extends, which is secured in the housing. Thus, a linear guidingof the knife 8 is obtained. Moreover, a guiding projection 60 can restagainst the upper side of the first leg 58, for an even betterconfinement. In the second leg 59, a second guiding slot 61 is provided,into which a pin 62 reaches which is fastened to an extremity of thehandle 5, at a distance from the pivot 54. If the handle 5 is pulledagainst the grip 52, the pin 62 is moved downwards through the slot 61,which, as a result of the circular movement of the pin 62 around thepivot 54, will simultaneously pull the knife backwards, in the directionaway from the front side 51, away from the opening 6. Simultaneously,the roll 3 is moved downwards, so that the pressure roller 57 will guidethe tape through the dispense opening, so that this can be engagedoutside the housing 2 and can be stuck to, for instance, a box or otherobject. By subsequently pulling away the apparatus 1 in the directionaway from the front side 51, the tape can be dispensed from the roll 3,for instance for gluing up a box. If the handle 5 is moved back fromthis position to the position shown in FIG. 8, the base plate 53 isagain moved back to the initial position and simultaneously the knife 8is pushed in the direction of the front side 51, through the tape 7extending through the opening 6, so that this is cut off. Then, it ispreferred that spring means be provided for biasing the base plate 53 inthe position shown in FIG. 8, for instance by providing a spring betweenthe projection 60 and the knife holder 33 or by disposing a springbetween the handle 5 and the housing 2.

[0042] In this embodiment, in the grip 52, a blocking projection 65 isprovided which can be operated by a cover 10. Only when the handle 5 ispulled against the grip 52, thus pushing away the projection 65, thecover 10 can be opened. Then, the grip 5 is held by the projection 65 inthe position pulled against the grip 52, so that the knife 8 is confinedin the retracted position. Then, in a simple manner, the roll 3 can bereplaced without the risk of the user hurting himself with the knife 8,in particular also as the knife 8 is then confined between the bottom 50and the projection 60. If the cover 10 is closed again, the projection65 is pushed away and the operating handle 5 is released so that theapparatus can be used again in a previously described manner. Naturally,it is also possible to design the projection such that the cover canonly be opened with the knife in the position shown in FIG. 8. Then, therisk of the knife accidentally slipping back is prevented.

[0043] In FIG. 10, in top plan view, a further alternative embodiment ofan apparatus 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein, however,within the housing 2, four rolls of tape 3A-3D are included. With thisapparatus 1, four types of tape 7, for instance in four differentcolours, can be dispensed, for instance red R, green G, blue B and whiteW. Within the housing 2, four dispensing apparatuses 4 are disposed,such as, for instance, described with reference to FIGS. 1-7, while foreach roll 3A-3D of tape 7, cutting means with operating means 32A-32Dare provided. Furthermore, operable blocking means 66A-66D are providedwith which the operating handles 5 for the different dispensingapparatuses 4 can be blocked or can be released at will. For instance,with the button 66A (R), the first driving wheel 18 of the respectivedispensing apparatus 4 can be released while, simultaneously, the firstdriving wheels 18 of the further three dispensing apparatuses 4 areblocked, so that only red tape 7 will be dispensed. By pushing thesecond button 66B (G), then, green tape 7 can be dispensed, by pushingthe button 66C (B), blue tape and by pushing the fourth button 66D (W)white tape 7 can be dispensed. The blocking means 66 can be designed ina simple manner such, that only one type of tape 7 can be dispensed atone time or such that different colours of tape 7 can be dispensed atone time. Such a dispensing apparatus is for instance particularlysuitable for dispensing installation tape used by, for instance,electrical fitters, technicians or the like. Naturally, also differentnumbers of rolls 3 can be provided with associated dispensingapparatuses and cutting means.

[0044] When in an apparatus 1 according to FIG. 10 the cutting meansvirtually abut each other, such an apparatus can also be used in asimple manner for dispensing relatively wide tape. The fact is thatthen, for instance, a roll of tape 3 can be inserted, having the widthof two, three or four rolls as shown in FIG. 10, while movements of theassociated, adjacent dispensing apparatuses can be coupled, as can thoseof the cutting means Thus, an even broader applicability of such anapparatus is obtained.

[0045] The invention is not limited in any manner to the exemplaryembodiments represented in the description and the drawings. Manyvariations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention asoutlined in the claims.

[0046] For instance, all sorts of other operating means can be used forrotating the rolls of tape and transporting tape in the direction of thedispense opening 6, while, emphatically, combinations of housings anddispensing apparatuses as shown in the different Figures can be combinedand housings can also be in part, in particular at the location of therolls 3. In the exemplary embodiments shown, each time, the axles of thedriven wheels 18 and the rotation axis of the roll 3 are parallel toeach other. However, it will be clear that also, in a simple manner,these axes can be arranged at an angle relative to each other, forinstance by guiding the tape therebetween along a further guidingmechanism, for instance a guiding roller disposed at an angle. What canbe thus achieved is that with a dispensing apparatus according to, forinstance, FIG. 1, tape can be dispensed in a plane parallel to thedrawing while the roll 3 remains in the position described. Naturally,to that end, the dispensing apparatus 4 is rotated through 90°. Further,within a housing, rolls 3 can be arranged one over the other instead ofnext to each other, so that various rolls can be received in a narrowerhousing. By the substantially linear movement of the cutting means, thetape being inadvertently guided back into the housing is prevented in asimple manner. Moreover, a knife can thus be moved relatively closelyalong a dispense opening, which dispense opening can have a virtuallyflat design. As the cutting means are always confined virtuallycompletely within the housing, injury or damage of the surroundings isprevented.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiments shown in the Figures, tape is movedin and through the dispense opening by movement of the handle. However,it will be clear that such an apparatus can be designed such that thetape can be manually pulled through the dispense opening.

[0048] These and many comparable variations are understood to fallwithin the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

1. An apparatus for dispensing adhesive tape, provided with a housingand receiving means for receiving a supply roll of adhesive tape andguiding means for, during use, feeding to and through the dispenseopening a leading end of adhesive tape unwound from the supply roll,wherein cutting means are provided for cutting adhesive tape from thesupply roll brought outside the dispense opening, wherein operatingmeans are provided for moving the cutting means between a first positionlargely retracted in the housing and a second, cutting position, whereinthe cutting means can be brought into contact with adhesive tape fedinto and/or through the dispense opening
 2. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the cutting means are biased in the first position. 3.An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in both the first andthe second position, the cutting means extend virtually completelywithin the housing.
 4. An apparatus according to any one of thepreceding claims, wherein the housing is provided with locking means forat least partly confining a supply roll within the housing, whereinblocking means are provided for the cutting means and/or the operatingmeans therefor, which blocking means are designed such, that the lockingmeans can only be opened and/or taken away when the cutting means havebeen brought into the first position.
 5. An apparatus according to claim4, wherein the housing comprises a flap, wherein the blocking means canbe operated by the flap.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,wherein, by operating the blocking means, in particular by opening theflap, the operating means for the cutting means are blocked.
 7. Anapparatus according to claim 5, wherein the blocking means are designedfor preventing the flap from opening before the cutting means have beenbrought into the first position.
 8. An apparatus according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the guiding means comprise at least onedriven roller with which, during use, adhesive tape can be moved in thedirection of and through the dispense opening.
 9. An apparatus accordingto claim 8, wherein a driving mechanism is provided for manually drivingsaid at least one driven roller.
 10. An apparatus according to any oneof the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is arranged fordispensing tape for medical application, in particular on or adjacentthe skin.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatusis autoclavable or differently sterilizable.
 12. An apparatus accordingto any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises ahandle and a body, wherein the receiving means for the supply roll areprovided in the handle and the operating means substantially in thebody.
 13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the apparatus is substantially manufactured from metal parts.14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein theapparatus is arranged for dispensing adhesive tape for closing boxes andthe like, wherein the housing comprises a handle and a body, wherein thereceiving means for the supply roll are substantially received in thebody, together with the guiding means.
 15. An apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting means comprise a knife,received in a substantially straight guide, which is substantiallylinearly movable between the first and the second position.
 16. Anapparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein thereceiving means for the supply roll are fastened to a base plate whichis movable relative to the housing, wherein a pressure roller isconnected to the base plate for pressing on adhesive tape extendingalong said pressure roller, the pressure roller being arranged forpushing the adhesive tape through the dispense opening.
 17. An apparatusaccording to any one of the preceding claims and a supply roll ofadhesive tape, wherein the receiving means comprise first receivingelements and the supply roll comprises a core with second receivingelements, wherein the first and second receiving elements are tailoredto each other such that the supply roll can only be inserted with thecore onto the receiving elements in one position.
 18. An apparatusaccording to claim 17, wherein the receiving means comprise a stub ontowhich the core of the supply roll can be slipped, wherein the housingcomprises a cover which can be closed over the supply roll, which cover,in closed position, is located at a relatively small distance from thecore.
 19. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein at least two receiving positions for supply rolls of tape areprovided, wherein means are provided for, during use, dispensing andcutting off tape from at least one of the supply rolls, at will.